Cyprinodontiformes |
Mummichog
(Fundulus heteroclitus heteroclitus)
|
Scientific classification |
|
Families |
Anablepidae (four-eyed fish)
Aplocheilidae
Cyprinodontidae (pupfish)
Fundulidae
Goodeidae
Poeciliidae (live-bearers)
Profundulidae
Rivulidae
Valenciidae |
The Cyprinodontiformes is an order of
ray-finned fish, also called the Microcyprini,
and comprising mostly small, fresh-water fish. They are
closely related to the
Atheriniformes and are occasionally included with them.
Many popular aquarium fish, such as
killifish and
live-bearers, belong here.
Members of this order are notable for inhabiting harsh
environments, such as saline or very warm waters, water of
poor quality, or isolated situations where no other types of
fish occur. They are typically omnivores, and often live
near the surface, where the oxygen-rich water compensates
for environmental disadvantages.